Liverpool worthy of a point at Man City but regret Lallana's miss

Liverpool will end the season unbeaten against the rest of the Premier League's "big six" after a pulsating game at the Etihad Stadium ended 1-1. The draw was a fair result but both sides had numerous chances to win, with Adam Lallana wasting the most clear-cut opportunity when he completely missed his kick with the goal gaping.

Positives

It was a very good team performance that featured some fine individual displays, not least from Emre Can in the middle of the park, who produced his best performance since a brilliant showing against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League last season.

Negatives

Having taken the lead there was a real opportunity for Liverpool to kill the game as the home side wobbled but, despite numerous opportunities on the break, the away side were not sufficiently clinical or composed. Ultimately it cost them as, following Pep Guardiola's tactical switch, City came back strongly to save a point.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- It was no surprise that Jurgen Klopp got his tactics right; he usually does against the best sides. Clearly he doesn't trust his bench options much, though, which restricts his options to change things later in games and that hurts Liverpool. Divock Origi was given an opportunity to shine but once again failed to take it.

GK Simon Mignolet, 6 -- Considering City had so many chances, it's surprising how little he actually had to do. Most of the efforts missed the target, but what Mignolet did have to do he managed with calm assurance. Had no chance with Sergio Aguero's goal.

DF Nathaniel Clyne, 7 -- It wasn't a day for rampaging attacking runs from full-backs as City played with two wingers pushed high up the pitch. Clyne had one or two difficult moments against Leroy Sane but, overall, stuck to his task well.

DF Ragnar Klavan, 7 -- A solid, professional performance from the experienced Estonian international. It's never easy against strikers of Aguero's quality and, although he was beaten for the equaliser, any blame attached to Klavan should be minimal.

DF Joel Matip, 7 -- Defended well and made some vital interceptions. Always cool in possession, he now looks back to the level he reached before his injury layoff earlier this year.

DF James Milner, 7 -- His former club looked to attack him at every opportunity but, given how much pressure he was put under, he dealt with it extremely well. He could have conceded a penalty when a last-ditch lunge clipped the heel of Raheem Sterling but, without that challenge, the winger would have scored. Milner showed customary nerves of steel to convert his penalty, meaning he has scored seven of seven from the spot this season.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

MF Emre Can, 9 -- He has shown signs of coming into form recently and this was his best display of the season by some distance. Powerful, composed, determined and purposeful, Can was easily the best midfield player on the pitch and played the pass from which Roberto Firmino won the penalty.

MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 8 -- Not as dominant as Can but nonetheless excellent, covering every blade of grass. His strength on the ball was evident on numerous occasions as he wriggled out of difficult situations to maintain possession.

MF Adam Lallana, 7 -- It's a pity that the only thing people remember from his display is the horrific miss because, aside from that, there was a lot to admire. He never stopped running, whether closing down or unselfishly sprinting ahead to create space for others, while his willingness to receive -- and keep -- the ball in difficult situations helped Liverpool during testing periods.

FW Sadio Mane, 6 -- He posed problems but not as many as if he'd been at his usual level. Mane was Liverpool's out ball when they countered, but too often he slowed things down or played the wrong pass. His most threatening moment came when he should have been awarded a first-half penalty. Having blown by Nicolas Otamendi, he was clipped by the defender.

FW Philippe Coutinho, 4 -- Usually excels against Manchester City but never really looked likely to break out of his recent lump in this one. His display wasn't as bad as last week against Burnley but, too often, he was on the periphery and it was no surprise that he was the first player substituted.

FW Roberto Firmino, 8 -- Led the line with great intelligence and rarely wasted a pass. He won the penalty by cleverly getting his body between Gael Clichy and the ball and drawing the foul, and could have had a goal in each half but for goalkeeper Willy Caballero. His flick to set up Lallana for the squandered chance will be quickly forgotten, but it was a wonderful piece of skill.

Substitutes

FW Divock Origi, 4 -- It was the type of game that should have suited a player with his pace and strength, but too often when he comes off the bench he makes the team worse and that was the case once more. He should do far more with his speed.

MF Lucas Leiva, NR -- Sent on for the closing minutes to help to preserve the point. No real time to make any impression.

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